Canadian Foreign Secretary Pledges Aid for Jews in Arab Lands

July 28, 1967

MONTREAL (Jul. 27)

Paul Martin, the Canadian Foreign Secretary, indicated today to the Canadian Jewish Congress that there were “difficulties of jurisdiction” in any efforts by the Canadian Government to do anything about the plight of Jewish nationals of Arab countries.

Mr. Martin was sent an appeal by the Canadian Jewish Congress on the problem. Hundreds of Jews were reported incarcerated, abused and in some cases killed by rampaging Arab mobs in the aftermath of Israel’s victory in the June war.

He cited, in his reply, previous efforts “to alleviate the conditions of other Jewish communities which have come under pressure” and added he would “not hesitate to take such action if it appears to be desirable and useful. I wish to assure you that if any opportunity arises for me to raise this matter in a constructive context, perhaps through contacts at the United Nations, I shall certainly do what I can.”